The Differences Between A Dentist, Pedodontist, And Orthodontist

Many consumers are confused why they should choose an orthodontist like Alizadeh and Schreiner in the Chesterfield MO area versus a general dentist or pedodontist to straighten their teeth with braces or Invisalign. Plain and Simple… the answer is experience and training.

Orthodontist – The Definition

All are dentists who specialize in oral care, and all are technically dentists.

Orthodontists complete an additionaltwo – three years of training in orthodontics, above and beyond general dentistry

Pedodontists complete an additional two – three years training to specialize in all areas of general dentistry for children

All orthodontists are dentists, but only 10 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists limit their practice to moving teeth and correcting jaw irregularities

Dentists and Pedodontists refer their patients to an orthodontist if they have problems with the alignment of their teeth or a bite abnormality of some kind. The same as a physician would refer you to a cardiologist or orthopedist if you had heart or skeletal issues.

If you do not suffer from a bite irregularity or misaligned teeth, you will likely never have to see an orthodontist. If you do, an orthodontist is the best qualified professional to treat your needs for a healthy long term dental result.

Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics loves creating beautiful smiles in Chesterfield, MO and surrounding regions. Orthodontists Dr. Cy Alizadeh, Dr. Becky Schreiner, Dr. Adam Reynolds, and their team work together to create a positive experience for our patients and their families. With the sudden rise in general dentists and pedodontists offering orthodontic services, it is important to understand the differences in treatment delivery and care! At Alizadeh and Schreiner Orthodontics all we do is orthodontics, all day long, day in a day out, with thousands of beautiful smiles created over the years. Before you make your final selection to straighten your teeth, contact our office for a free smile exam and learn about the difference.